What’s four times the size of Disneyland California, has a moon rock and a replica Space X rocket, and promotes mutual understanding among nations? It’s the World Expo now taking place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates — the first World Expo held in the Middle East.
Rescheduled from 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this celebration of creativity, innovation and world cultures will run from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.
The U.S. pavilion’s theme, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of the Future,” uses eight exhibitions to take visitors on a journey through the past, present and future of U.S. innovation. An immersive media show highlights how freedom has formed the basis for opportunity and entrepreneurship. Another exhibit focuses on the historical achievements of some of America’s most iconic innovators, including artifacts from Alexander Graham Bell and Steve Jobs.
Other features in the USA Pavilion include a moon rock, collected by Apollo 17 astronaut Jack Schmitt, and a Martian meteorite on loan from NASA. Outside the pavilion, guests can gaze up 42 meters at the SpaceX Falcon 9 replica rocket.In addition to following a journey of innovation, visitors can watch hundreds of performances and speakers, including:
• The basketball magic of the Harlem Globetrotters.
• The Tulane University marching band.
• The Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre.
• The pavilion’s 75 Youth Ambassadors.
The USA Pavilion’s human connection features American performances, speakers and demonstrations as well as opportunities for conversations with Youth Ambassadors from all over the United States.
“You’re in for a treat — between Youth Ambassadors and performers, the USA Pavilion is on track to have representatives from the 50 states. We are thrilled to highlight the diversity of American culture from across the country,” said Jim Core, director of the International Expositions Unit in the U.S. Department of State.
Seventy-five “Faces of America” Youth Ambassadors will guide millions of visitors through USA Pavilion exhibitions over the course of the World Expo’s six-month duration.
“I am pleased to be working with our USA Pavilion Youth Ambassadors,” Bob Clark, the commissioner general of the USA Pavilion, said. “Their excitement and enthusiasm for Expo are energizing. We have a wonderful exhibition at Expo 2020, and I hope people come out to see it.”
The United States participates in expositions to share American culture, promote mutual understanding, engage global audiences and demonstrate the benefits of principles it supports, such as free and fair trade and representative government.
